Wildlife

Pelican Welfare and Monofilament Entanglement

Pelicans are frequently injured by monofilament fishing line entanglement and hook ingestion, causing preventable suffering.

Key Facts

Brown pelican populations recovered after DDT was banned
Monofilament entanglement causes wing amputations and starvation
Pelicans near fishing piers are at highest risk
Monofilament recycling stations reduce wildlife entanglement

Welfare Considerations

Pelicans entangled in monofilament fishing line suffer wing injuries requiring amputation, preventing flight and foraging. Those that ingest hooks develop internal injuries that are often fatal. Near fishing piers where they associate humans with food, pelicans face chronic risk. Monofilament recycling programs and responsible disposal significantly reduce entanglement.

What You Can Do

Always retrieve and dispose of fishing line and hooks properly
Support monofilament recycling programs at fishing piers
Report entangled pelicans to wildlife rehabilitators
Advocate for fishing line disposal infrastructure at popular fishing sites